Letten ‘weighing options’ on future, mum on cases

Letten ‘weighing options’ on future, mum on cases

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — At his first public appearance since leaving office, former U.S. Attorney Jim Letten says he is still weighing his options for the future.

Letten also said he is optimistic that New Orleans officials and the Justice Department will work together to improve the city’s troubled police department, despite recent differences between the two sides over the costs of reform.

Letten wouldn’t comment on specifics regarding the police issue or cases he oversaw as U.S. Attorney.

Letten resigned last month. His departure came after two veteran prosecutors in his office admitted anonymously posting criticism of judges and comments about cases on a newspaper website.

He spoke with reporters Tuesday at a hotel where he addressed a benefit for the “Court Watch NOLA” organization, which monitors New Orleans’ criminal justice system.